It probably goes without saying that we at TPG love points and miles. We’re constantly talking about our favorite redemptions, flagging deals and giving advice to each other on what to book and when.
2026 is nearly halfway over, so I decided to poll my co-workers and see what their favorite redemptions so far in 2026 have been.
Hopefully, you’ll gain some inspiration from their successes as you plan your future travels.
Checking Off Another State on My Bucket List
Olivia Mittak, credit cards editor
One of my travel goals is to visit all 50 states, so this Thanksgiving I’m knocking Arizona off my list with a visit to Phoenix. While exploring Seats.aero for award tickets between my home airport, Portland International Airport (PDX), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), I found an amazing deal on a one-way ticket home.
I redeemed 7,500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles plus $11 in taxes and fees for a one-way flight from PHX to PDX. I would’ve had to pay $364 had I not used AAdvantage miles, meaning I received roughly 4.7 cents per mile in value. That’s almost triple TPG’s June 2026 valuation of AAdvantage miles at 1.6 cents per mile.
I encounter an assumption a lot when talking to people about points and miles: that high-value flight redemptions only occur when booking international flights or long-haul business-class seats. That’s definitely not true — there are plenty of great award tickets available for domestic flights, too.
A Premium Economy Sweet Spot to Europe
Matt Moffitt, contributing credit cards editor
Matt’s favorite redemption so far this year has been a KLM Premium Comfort flight from Austin to Madrid via Amsterdam for travel just after Halloween. He booked the itinerary for 40,000 Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles plus $265 in taxes and fees.
The redemption came with a few extra perks. Matt has a three-hour layover in Amsterdam and is hoping to visit the new American Express Centurion Lounge if it opens before his trip. He was also able to select a bulkhead seat at no additional cost thanks to the one year of Flying Blue Silver status he received as part of the welcome offer on the Air France-KLM Visa Signature® Credit Card.
The information for the Air France-KLM Visa Signature Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Having flown KLM Premium Comfort before, Matt considers it one of the best ways to cross the Atlantic. He cited the comfortable seats, solid service and positive experiences with KLM’s customer service as reasons he enjoys the product.
He also views premium economy as a sweet spot for travel to Europe, offering a meaningful upgrade over economy without requiring the additional points typically needed for business class.
A Spa Retreat in Oregon
Zoe Jablow, engineering manager
Zoe recently booked Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa in Pacific City, Oregon, for two nights in mid-July via Chase’s Points Boost feature for 98,000 Ultimate Rewards points plus $250.
The Coastal Lodge & Spa is part of Chase’s The Edit hotel collection, so Zoe will receive that $250 back as a statement credit via the Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s up to $500 annual The Edit credit (issued as two credits of up to $250 each; minimum prepaid two-night stay required).
The cash price for this stay would’ve been $2,213, so Zoe got roughly 2 cents per point in value for this redemption.
A Last-Minute Trip to Key West
Lyndsey Matthews, managing editor for loyalty programs
Lyndsey made what she called an impulse booking to Key West recently. For 12,500 Atmos Rewards points plus $18 in taxes and fees, she booked a one-way American Airlines flight from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Key West International Airport (EYW).
These redemptions are a good reminder that points and miles can deliver strong value across a wide range of trip types — whether it’s a spontaneous domestic getaway, a comfortable transatlantic crossing, or a weekend hotel stay closer to home.
